I've been modeling for about five years now, and I have to say it's been an incredible journey so far. Growing up in Seoul, Korea, I always had this passion for fashion, beauty and everything that goes with it.

My parents were quite supportive of my dreams and encouraged me to pursue a career in the industry, which is something I'll forever be grateful for.

After completing high school and college programs in marketing and communications, I decided to take a leap of faith and move to Tokyo for further studies. It was there that I started getting into modeling more seriously.

I did a lot of part-time jobs while studying - hostessing at bars, walking the streets dressed as cute characters for festivals or just posing for amateur photographers who would give me free coffee in exchange.

When I was 23 I won a local beauty pageant that got my face all over Japanese TV and magazines. That was when things started taking off for me. More jobs came pouring in - runway shows, photo shoots, editorial spreads...

I know it sounds like a dream come true but there are challenges too! Like maintaining this 'Korean Girl Next Door' image while fighting against the industry standard of Asian women having to conform to certain beauty standards.

There have been times when I struggled with my body shape and size compared to other models in the business. People always focus on whether or not you're curvy enough, or if your thighs are thick enough... it can get really frustrating!

But despite all that, I've learned how to love myself for who I am today - flaws and all. It's a journey though! Sometimes I'll be posing for a photo shoot and my mind will wander back to times when I felt insecure about my body. But then the photographer or makeup artist reminds me of why we're here: to make people feel good, whether it's through a smile on their face or just making them believe in themselves.

Nowadays? Well... let's say life is treating me pretty well! Between commercial jobs for brands like Apple and Nike, campaigns with major beauty companies like Shiseido, L'Oreal Paris etc...

People always ask me what makes me different from other models - whether it's my "Korean beauty" or the way I carry myself on set... honestly though? It's probably just that sense of confidence and self-love!

You know how some people have this 'supermodel' glow about them? Yeah, I'd say that's something I've learned over time too! Just because you're not perfect doesn't mean nobody wants to hire you or look at your pictures.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: life gets tough but don't let anyone ever make you feel like you're not worthy of being here. You are, no matter how many times someone tells you otherwise!

How about yourself? What's been going on in your world lately? Anything new or exciting happen recently? Or would you rather hear more about my adventures in modeling?